Reflection for April 10 Friday in the Octave of Easter: John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."They said to him, "We also will come with you." 

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." 

So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." 

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes feel spiritually weak and empty? We are not alone—every one of us goes through moments of spiritual dryness and emptiness. There are times when our hearts feel heavy, our spirits grow weary, and we find ourselves searching for meaning, strength, and hope.

After the death of Jesus, some of the disciples did not yet know that He had already risen. In their confusion and sorrow, they returned to their former way of life. Though they felt lost, empty, and weak, they tried to move forward. In their weariness, they went fishing—but despite all their effort, they caught nothing.

How often does this mirror our own lives? We keep striving, working, and moving forward, yet at times, we still feel empty inside. 

Then, in the midst of their exhaustion and disappointment, the risen Christ appeared to them. He gently asked, “Have you caught anything?” When they answered no, He invited them to try again—to cast their net once more. In simple obedience, they followed His word, and suddenly their nets were filled beyond what they could carry.

In their emptiness, Jesus came. In their weakness, He revealed His presence. In their failure, He poured out His abundance. 

It is as if He is also speaking to us today:

“I am here with you. I have risen. I have never left you—not in your sorrow, not in your struggles, not even in your moments of deepest emptiness. When you feel alone, I am with you. When you feel weak, I am your strength. When your efforts seem fruitless, trust Me—and I will fill what is lacking.”

Brothers and sisters, in our journey through life, we will face moments of emptiness, helplessness, and loneliness. Yet these are often the very moments when Jesus draws closest to us—not to condemn us, but to renew us, to strengthen us, and to remind us that our hope is never lost in Him.

So today, as we carry our own burdens and face our own struggles, let us pause and listen to His voice. Let us trust Him even when we do not understand, and obey Him even when we feel tired and discouraged.

When we find ourselves empty and weary, will we continue relying on our own strength—or will we trust Jesus enough to cast our nets once more at His word? —Marino J. Dasmarinas